Inside how Emma Watson shattered princess stereotypes in 2017

It's been some years since 2017's Beauty and the Beast graced our screens, but its impact remains profound. With the ever-charismatic Emma Watson donning the role of Belle, the film offered more than just another retelling; it showcased a modern, empowered, feminist princess. Today, we journey back to explore how Watson and the creative minds behind the movie shattered Disney stereotypes and crafted an icon for the new age.

Modern aesthetics for a modern Belle

In this reimagining, Belle wasn't just the book-loving girl from the original; she was an inventor, mirroring the spirit of her father and reflecting the modern-day woman. Jacqueline Durran, the visionary costume designer, and her team collaborated closely with Watson to ensure Belle's wardrobe told this story. In the iconic opening scene, we saw a renewed Belle: "Instead of heeled pumps, she wears boots. Her apron doubles as a tool belt." The commitment to authenticity was so profound that Belle's skirt was designed to be tucked into her waistband, letting her freely roam in her bloomers, uninhibited and fierce.

Emma Watson was vocal about wanting Belle to defy conventions. Instead of embodying the corseted, impossible idea of female beauty, she envisioned Belle as a beacon of real empowerment. This vision saw the replacement of the corset in Belle's iconic yellow ballgown with a flexible bodice. "Nothing she wears is inhibiting, Durran emphasized, 'She can do whatever she would want to do in any of her costumes. She rides a horse.'"

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Craftsmanship with a conscience

Belle's revamped wardrobe wasn't just about modern aesthetics; it carried Watson's personal stamp of environmental consciousness. Durran, with her team, ensured Belle's deep red cloak was crafted from eco-sustainable and organic material. Even in design, Watson's commitment to sustainability was evident with recycled blocks from the stage set being used to print patterns on Belle's cape.

The devotion to Belle's dress went beyond aesthetics. The gown, both intricate and delicate, saw 10 craftsmen dedicating 238 hours, ensuring it was both dazzling and functional. From hand-painted 18th-century heels that were comfortable enough for action, to a lighter organza replacing the traditional cage, every element celebrated Belle's vivacity.

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A legacy of empowerment

As we look back, it's evident that Emma Watson's Belle wasn't just a character; she became a symbol of change and empowerment. By challenging and reshaping established norms, Watson and the team behind Beauty and the Beast painted a picture of a princess that resonated with today's audience, one that champions independence, intelligence, and strength.

As we reminisce, Belle's modern avatar serves as a reminder of the endless possibilities when creativity meets conviction. It underscores that fairytales can evolve and that princesses, just like every woman, are multi-faceted, powerful, and unstoppable.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)